Building inspection

If you needed a building permit, a development permit, or a development-building permit to do construction-related work, several inspections are needed for most construction or renovation projects.

Timelines

If an inspection request is received before 2:00pm on a business day, the inspection will be booked for the following business day.

If an inspection request is received any time during the weekend or on a holiday, the inspection will be booked for two business days later.

If you want to receive a confirmation call from the inspector before the inspection, leave your name and phone number when booking your inspection.

The length of the inspection itself will vary, depending on how much work must be inspected, and what the inspector finds once on site.

While on site, the inspector will note the results of the inspection directly on the approved plans, which should be kept on site in the provided inspection bag.

Booking an inspection

To book an inspection for permitted work, call one of the following:

3-1-1 (outside Vancouver 604-873-7000)

the 24-hour Building Inspection line at 604-873-7058

When you request an inspection, have the following information on hand:

Permit Number

Address of inspection site

Type of inspection required

All requests made before 2:00pm will be booked for the following business day.

How to consult with an inspector

On-duty inspectors are available to answer questions and other inquiries. Visit the Development and Building Services Centre.

If you need to speak with a specific district inspector, book a 10-minute meeting. Call 3-1-1 (outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000) by 2:00pm to arrange your appointment for the next business day.

Meetings are scheduled between 8:30am and 9:30am or between 3:00pm and 4:00pm, depending on the inspector.

Call 3-1-1 to arrange and cancel appointments.

Other ways you can speak with inspectors:

Phone specific district inspectors during their business hours

Speak with them on-site during your inspection

Cancelling an inspection

To cancel an inspection

Call 3-1-1. If you cancel before the cancellation deadline, you will receive a case number.

Make sure that someone on site knows the case number so that they can give it to the inspector if the inspector shows up at the original time. This will help you avoid being charged a re-inspection fee.

If you do not cancel before the cancellation deadline, you may have to pay a re-inspection fee when you re-book.

Inspection day

Cancellation deadline

Monday

Before 2:00pm on Friday. If Friday was a holiday, before Thursday 2:00pm.

Tuesday

Before 2:00pm on Monday. If Monday was a holiday, before Friday 2:00pm.

Wednesday

Before 2:00pm on Tuesday.

Thursday

Before 2:00pm on Wednesday.

Friday

Before 2:00pm on Thursday.

Inspection fees

Inspection fees are included in the permit.

However, you will have to pay a re-inspection fee of $163.00 plus GST if:

You miss one or more meetings as a result of access

The inspector finds incomplete work that had been identified on a previous inspection

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